Stitt Pushes Back on Federal National Guard Deployment

Stitt Stands Alone Among Governors

Governor Kevin Stitt became the first Republican governor to publicly oppose using National Guard troops in U.S. cities. He warned that federal deployment threatens the balance between federal and state authority.

Speaking Thursday, Stitt said he believes in states’ rights and that deploying the Guard in U.S. cities “pits one governor against another.” The governor chairs the National Governors Association, which now faces pressure to respond to the federalization order.

Democrats Threaten to Leave Governors Group

Two Democratic members of the association have threatened to leave if the organization fails to condemn the president’s plan.

Stitt said he hopes the group can remain united but added, “We can’t protect liberty by giving away local control.”

Political analysts say Stitt’s comments may spark debate among governors from both parties over federal reach into state-run agencies like the National Guard.

A Call for Cooperation

Stitt said governors can protect citizens better by coordinating across state lines instead of relying on federal orders. “We must work together as states to protect our people and preserve our authority,” he said.

The Governor’s Office said Oklahoma’s Guard remains ready to respond to emergencies under state command, not federal.

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